Chelsea F.C. manager Jose Mourinho has confirmed the club are in contract talks with Eden Hazard.
The 2013/14 PFA Young Player of the Year, 23, has become one of the best players in Europe since departing Lille for West London in the summer of 2012.
According to reports, the deal could be worth up to £50 million, with the Blues looking to quash interest from French champions Paris Saint-Germain, who were linked with Hazard during the summer.
“We have big hopes that he [Hazard] will go from a top player to reach higher levels,” said Mourinho ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League opener against Schalke 04.
“He’s a kid that was always living on his natural talent. But from a certain moment he was starting to have some tactical education and mental education and it is big improvement he is having.
“Now his talent allows him to think about it and he can go from a top player to become one of the greats of his generation. We are proud he thinks Chelsea is the right environment for him.
“He’s a player we want to keep. It’s true Chelsea is trying to have an agreement for a new contract.
“It will be a question of time. It will end with a new contract.
“He wants to commit to us and we want to commit to him for the future.”
Hazard has scored one goal in four English Premier League appearances for table toppers Chelsea this season.
Verratti signs new PSG deal
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed midfielder Marco Verratti has signed a one-year contract extension at the club.
The Italy international, 21, joined PSG from Delfino Pescara 1936 on a five-year deal in July 2012, and has gone on to establish himself as one of the most recognizable midfielders in Europe.
Verratti, the 2013/14 UNFP Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year, said: “When I think about my career, I only see myself at Paris Saint-Germain.
“I want to continue winning trophies with this club and continue to improve as a footballer alongside truly world-class players.
“Paris is magical!”
Verratti’s performances, and the arrival of Yohan Cabaye from Newcastle United in January, have kept highly-rated France Under-21 international Adrien Rabiot on the bench.
Rabiot, who has already signaled his intention to leave the club after refusing to sign a new deal, is wanted by Arsenal and Roma.
The 19-year-old maestro last played, and scored, for PSG on 17 May 2014 against Montpellier HSC.
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